MK Fencing Academy UAE

I have to admit, I’ve not been the best at keeping fit while living in the UAE, but I do like the idea of a sport with a bit of drama. So when Dimitar Kestenov, senior coach at MK Fencing Academy invited me along to a class, I was immediately intrigued.

Fencing? All that comes to mind is a scene from Peter Pan, or The Mask of Zorro. I want to be able to walk out of the room with my innards all still intact – but I’m assured from the get-go that it’s safe. Firstly, we take a look at the “weapons”. There are three to choose from: foil, épée and sabre. I learn that all three have different rules in each game and fencers tend to specialise in one. Today, I will be using an épée, which has a large bell-shaped guard. I learn that unlike the other swords that are restricted to certain areas of the body, the épée enables me to aim for any area of my opponent’s body, just not the back – it’s literally the most disrespectful action to stab someone in the back.

I begin with some simple stretching to warm up my joints. Dimitar notes that warming up in fencing is like building a house. You start with the foundations first (your feet) and work your way up, with heavy focus on neck and arm stretching. I couldn’t help but compare fencing to a choreographed dance, or even yoga. If you can hold a warrior or tree position in yoga then fencing is right up your street. Its foundations are clearly about core strength and balance.

Stretches done, it’s time to learn the “en garde” position which is in three steps. A step ahead is performed by moving my leading foot forward and then bringing my rear foot up to finish. The second step is doing the first step backwards. As simple as it sounds, this challenges my balance and inner core strength. I’m told my upper body should not move too much and it’s hard to not look down at my feet. At times, I feel more like a ballerina than Zorro.

Now to the lunge. The aim is to take a large step forward and land my foot flat on the floor. When the point of the épée hits the opponent, a slight lift of my hand ensures that the blade bends upwards when hitting my opponent.

Next, and possibly the part I’ve been looking forward to most, I’m fitted out in my protective clothing, and thankfully it’s well padded. Fencers need to wear a tough protective chest shield. It’s not the most comfortable attire, yet it is entirely necessary. With my épée selected, I’m fitted with a helmet. Wearing it, no one can see my face, which is probably a good thing because now it’s getting real. Nerves are building.

I put into practise the three steps I learned and take (ahem) a stab at it. At first, I find it quite hard to hit the target perfectly. I also realise the amount of mental concentration that is required in this sport.

Dimitar slips on his jacket and helmet, which I can only assume means I’m about to try and dual a man who is a five-time National Champion of Bulgaria in the Modern Pentathlon. I am doomed. I feel like curling up into a ball and surrendering, but I need to show him what I’m made of.

Luckily Dimitar is just refereeing. Now that I’ve been shown some basics, it’s time for me to meet my opponent: 14-year-old Prune Huguet, a student at MK Fencing. Before we start our challenge, I learn some standard etiquette. Firstly, we must salute each other. I hold my helmet in my left hand, look my opponent straight in the eye and raise my blade to my right eye. In a swift movement, we then direct our épées to the floor before turning to our coach and ref, and offer Dimitar a respectful salute.

We can’t see each other’s faces and I’m secretly glad, because right now I’m noticeably scared of a teenager. The chance of me striking her is low, but there is nothing like a mask to hide fear. Prune, being the true respectful fencer she is, kindly doesn’t go too hard on me.She even lets me attack her, even though I’m sure hitting her in the head (when I was aiming for her chest) isn’t exactly respectful on my part, but it still scored me a point. After our bout, we end by shaking hands.

I am won over by the tradition and etiquette of this 19th century Olympic sport – a self-defence sport both respectful and theatrical. Fencing is not about violence, it’s about discipline and tact. It’s not just a physical exercise, it’s also a mental one, and anybody can try it, no matter your fitness level or age. MK Fencing Academy UAE, South Campus, Raffles International School, Umm Suqeim 3, www.mkfencingacademy.com (050 794 4190).

Four to try Olympic Sports that also debuted in 1896

SailingWho wouldn’t want to spend an afternoon out on the pristine Dubai waters? SeaYou offers private lessons and rentals of its RS Feva dinghy and RS CAT16 catamaran, as well as windsurfing, plus kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals and tours.Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort, Palm Jumeirah, www.seayou.ae.

SwimmingIt’s never too late to learn to swim, whether you are 20 or 60 years old. It’s a lifestyle skill that everyone should learn. Dubai Elite Swimming Club offers classes for both adults and kids, with the option of group and one-on-one coaching. Locations across Dubai, www.dubaiswimming.net.

WeightliftingOlympic weightlifting is one of the best ways to tone up, gain strength, improve overall athletic ability and increase flexibility. Learn to snatch and “clean and jerk” from the coaches at Dubai’s Fit Republik.The Academies, Dubai Sports City, www.fitrepublik.com.

I would like to say Thank you to Mihail and all at his academy for a great night's fencing. I was on hols in Dubai and fancied a few fights. I was made to feel very welcome and would highly reccomend for anyone to visit, experienced or otherwise.

Many thanks

Hamda Apr 16, 2010 05:11 pm

The coaches “Mihail and Maria” are the best. I had a spark for this sport and they have encouraged me to build up my skill. I loved the experience and they made it even better. I am now a regular and part of the Dubai fencing family.